Ajax Forced to Change Home Kit in Champions League Due to UEFA Rules - Names on Back + Crosses Instead of Stars
Update: In addition to player names and a border around the font, there was another change in Ajax's kit in the Champions League. The three stars on the upper back were replaced by crosses, likely due to the same reeason that forced the removal of the three birds from the third kit.
UEFA are very strict about which symbols can appear on a shirt - they have to be official marks of either the team, its mascot or the town or region. In the case of Ajax, the three crosses are part of the iconic Amsterdam flag and therefore allowed on the shirt.
Ajax had an incredible start in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, beating Sporting CP 5-1 away from home. They did so wearing their Adidas 2021-2022 home kit, which had one interesting difference compared to the kit worn in the Eredivisie.
Ajax Not Allowed To Have No Names On 21-22 Home Kit In UEFA Competitions
The Ajax 21-22 home jersey has a classic theme, which not only includes a special logo but also something uncommon in today's football - it has no names on the back. This is inspired by the kits of the past century which had no names.
However, in UEFA competitions, Ajax is playing with full names & numbers, in accordance with the UEFA guidelines.
UEFA Equipment Regulations - Player Names
Ajax's press release confirms that the club have names in the Champions league because of UEFA
The typeface used by Ajax in the 21-22 Champions League is a bit different from the one used in the league. The Ajax 21-22 Champions League typeface has a black border, also in accordance with UEFA kit rules.
Adidas's 2021-22 Champions League home kit with the names and numbers is available in the official club online store for 110 Euro (90 Euro + 20 Euro for the printing). Without the names, it costs you 100 Euro (90 Euro + 10 Euro).
What do you think of UEFA forcing Ajax to have names in their competitions? Comment below.
